At the Shire Times, we believe it is important to stand with the voices of reason when the nation’s safety and governance standards are at stake. Many commentators have already raised serious concerns about President Peter Mutharika’s decision to use his private Cadillac Escalade as the main vehicle in the presidential motorcade. We write today not to claim originality, but to amplify what others have rightly pointed out: this practice is unlawful, unsafe, and damaging to the integrity of the Presidency.
The law clearly requires the President to use official State vehicles. This is not a matter of personal choice or style. It is a legal obligation designed to protect the Head of State and ensure accountability. As several analysts have noted, official presidential vehicles are built for high-security communication, emergency response, and protection. A private car—no matter how luxurious—does not offer the same level of security or transparency.
We share the public’s concern that the President’s Escalade has even been fitted with a presidential lion emblem, giving it an official look while remaining a private asset. Commentators have warned that this blurs the line between personal property and State equipment, and we agree. It creates confusion, weakens accountability, and sets a dangerous precedent for future leaders.
Others have also argued that using a private vehicle hides important processes from public view. Government vehicles are audited, insured, serviced, and tracked through official channels. A private vehicle avoids this scrutiny. As one commentator remarked, once private property enters State operations, oversight becomes complicated and the risks of abuse rise sharply. We find this argument valid and worth repeating.
The idea that this could be about “saving public money” has been widely dismissed by governance experts, and we stand with them. No credible government compromises the President’s safety to appear frugal. National security is not something to improvise or personalise. The motorcade is not a place for experiments.
Many observers have also spoken about the symbolism involved, and we echo them. A presidential motorcade represents the authority of the Republic. Replacing official State vehicles with a personal luxury car sends the wrong message: that the Presidency can be customised to individual taste instead of being guided by national rules and standards.
We at the Shire Times are simply adding our voice to a growing chorus. This is not a new conversation, nor are we the first to highlight the problem. We are reinforcing what many patriotic Malawians have already said clearly: President Mutharika must return to official State vehicles, for the sake of legality, security, and respect for the office he holds.
This is not about attacking the President. It is about protecting the Presidency.
The concerns being raised across the country are legitimate. We stand with those who have spoken out before us, and we urge the administration to take these concerns seriously. The office of President is bigger than the personal preferences of any individual. And a private car should never lead the motorcade of a nation.
It is time to correct this. The country deserves nothing less.
